MA in Yoga Studies
Master of Arts in Yoga Studies (Low-Residency)
Gain a deeper knowledge of yoga and transform your practice and life with Naropa’s Master’s Degree in Yoga Studies.
Program Overview
Naropa’s MA in Yoga Studies is intended for yoga teachers, practitioners, and enthusiasts interested in upgrading their expertise in the diverse array of teachings and practices of yoga throughout history.
During this three-year, low-residency master’s program, you will immerse yourself in yogic forms of meditation, study Buddhist and Indo-Tibetan religious traditions, and unveil knowledge of Sanskrit texts.
This master’s in yoga consists of online courses and two residential yoga retreats held in Boulder, Colorado.
Yoga Mastery
You’ll receive in-depth training in the history and practices of significant yoga lineages through a contemplative educational approach. This covers studying yoga’s role in various Indian religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sufism. Additionally, the program explores the development of “haṭha yoga” and the rise of modern yoga styles in the twentieth century, including both poses and meditation.
Learn from Anywhere
Naropa’s Master’s Degree in Yoga Studies operates on a “low-residency” model, primarily delivered online with two essential in-person retreats in Boulder, Colorado. This flexible format allows you to join from anywhere, enabling you to balance your professional commitments while pursuing your degree.
Accomplished Faculty
The faculty at Naropa’s Yoga Studies are esteemed experts deeply dedicated to the art of contemplative teaching. Immersed in Indian culture and tradition, these educators convey the intricate principles of yogic philosophy while also imparting the profound joy that comes with practicing yoga.
Quick Facts
- One of a few such yoga degrees globally.
- 2.5 transformative years
- Online Courses
- 2 residential yoga retreats in Boulder, Colorado.
- 40 credit hours
- Sanskrit training
- Accomplished Faculty
- Applications open for August 2025
Program Format
Naropa’s Master’s degree in Yoga is a 2.5-year, low-residency program. The degree is mainly delivered online and it features two in-person sessions in Colorado.
Students have the flexibility to join this program from any location, allowing them to balance their work commitments as they pursue their degrees.
The program kicks off with a nine-day on-site retreat during the first fall semester, fostering community and offering an in-person taste of the contemplative learning experience. Another nine-day retreat is scheduled in the second year’s fall semester.
Course Spotlight
Yoga/Globalization: Inception of Postural Yoga
Degree
Requirements
The MA in Yoga Studies is a 40-credit, low-residency Religious Studies MA concentration, offering comprehensive training in Yoga Studies. The program is designed for students interested in doctoral programs as well as yoga teachers and practitioners.
Students can complete the program from anywhere, as it is mostly online with two nine-day residential retreats in Colorado.
Yoga Studies Non-Language Track Course Schedule
First year, fall (Includes Retreat - 10 credits)
- REL617e Meditation in Yogic and Tantric Traditions: A Practicum (3) [Includes Retreat]
- REL577e The Histories and Philosophies of Yoga (3) [Includes Retreat]
- REL507 Sanskrit I (4)
First year, spring (Online Only - 6 credits)
- REL717e Meditation in Yogic & Tantric Traditions II (3)
- REL Elective (3)
Second year, fall (Includes Retreat - 9 credits)
Two courses include an intensive retreat during the first few weeks of the semester
- REL611e First Turning of the Wheel (3)
- REL 634e Hindu Tantric (3)
- REL Elective (3)
Second year, spring (Online Only - 9 credits)
- REL 645 Methods & Issues in the Study of Religion (3)
- REL Elective (3)
- REL Elective (3)
Third year, fall (6 credits)
- REL 530e Yoga and Globalization (3)
- REL883E Master’s Thesis (3) (required for nonlanguage Track
Yoga Studies Language Track Course Schedule
First year, fall (Includes Retreat - 10 credits)
- REL617e Meditation in Yogic and Tantric Traditions: A Practicum (3) [Includes Retreat]
- REL577e The Histories and Philosophies of Yoga (3) [Includes Retreat]
- REL507 Sanskrit I (4)
First year, spring (Online Only - 7 credits)
- REL717e Meditation in Yogic & Tantric Traditions II (3)
- REL537E Sanskrit II (4)
Second year, fall (Includes Retreat - 10 credits)
Two courses include an intensive retreat during the first few weeks of the semester
- REL611e First Turning of the Wheel (3)
- REL 634e Hindu Tantric (3)
- REL557E Sanskrit III (4)
Second year, spring (Online Only - 7 credits)
- REL 645 Methods & Issues in the Study of Religion (3)
- REL587E Sanskrit IV (4)
Third year, fall (6 credits)
- REL 530e Yoga and Globalization (3)
- Elective (3) for Language track students
Areas of Specialization
Beyond its extensive curriculum in yoga studies, Sanskrit instruction, and contemplative methods, the program stands out with two unique specializations.
Buddhist Traditions
The foundational practices and teachings of Buddhism significantly influenced classical yoga. Within Naropa’s master’s program in yoga studies, there’s a dedicated exploration of this less-explored realm, highlighting the evolving traditions of Buddhist yoga within the context of Indo-Tibetan Buddhism.
Study of the Yoga of Tantric Traditions
The exploration of Tantric traditions within the realm of yoga remains relatively unexplored in the broader context of yoga history. However, our curriculum delves deeply into this area, shedding significant light on its intricate nuances and contributions.
Why Choose Naropa?
Accomplished Faculty
Our Yoga Studies faculty are are dedicated scholars deeply immersed in contemplative teaching methods. With a rich background in Indian culture and traditions, they passionately convey intricate yogic philosophies while also instilling a profound sense of wonder associated with yoga practice.
Study from Anywhere
Naropa's three-year Master of Arts in Yoga Studies adopts a "low-residency" approach, mainly delivered online, complemented by two in-person retreats in Boulder, Colorado. Regardless of your location, you have the flexibility to join this program. Its structured pace allows you to balance your professional commitments while advancing toward your degree.
Contemplative Education
Naropa has a pioneering vision for contemplative education, inspiring the practice of yogic forms of meditation which is a cornerstone of this curriculum. The Yoga Studies program integrates the practice of meditation drawn directly from the yogic systems of the Yogasūtra, Śaiva tantra, Haṭha yoga, and Vedānta.
How this Program Prepares You
Immersive Education
Besides delving into Sanskrit training, students will have an in-depth exploration of the origins, practices, and philosophies of prominent yoga traditions. Moreover, they will delve into a critical examination of yoga’s intersections with various Indian faiths. Additionally, the coursework traces the rise of inclusive “haṭha yoga” practices and the vibrant evolution of contemporary yoga, encompassing both physical and meditative forms.
Residential Retreats
The program includes two nine-day residential yoga retreats held at the Drala Mountain Center. The first one takes place during the first fall semester, and the second one is scheduled for the second year’s fall semester. These retreats build community and offer an in-person experience of Naropa’s contemplative learning.
Experienced Faculty
Whether you connect online or face-to-face, your instructors are committed to fostering community through insightful teachings and genuine conversations. Even as you study remotely, pursuing your yoga degree promises a memorable experience filled with community, bonding, and personal development.
What You'll Learn
Contemplative Practice
Enhance your meditation and self-awareness in yoga.
Strong Foundation in Yogic Philosophies
Understand the traditions and religions shaping yoga's teachings.
Proficiency in Sanskrit
Access Sanskrit texts that transmit invaluable teachings on yoga.